Chairman Becker asked all in attendance to stand and honor Mr. James Wood with a moment of silence. Mr. Becker stated that Mr. Wood was a long-time Rutland resident, a selectman for 22 years, a member of the Rutland School Committee and an original member of the first Wachusett Regional School Committee. Mr. Becker would like to send a certified copy of this portion of the minutes along with condolences to Mr. Wood’s family and thanking them for his many years of service.

Chapter 90 work is complete; will be submitting for reimbursement. Trees planted and inspected. Traffic management utility trailer has been delivered and will be registered – will have markings added. The skid steer and attachments have been delivered. Prices for insulation of town hall are coming in lower than anticipated. Internal and external posting for open position (skilled laborer/sewer, Step 1) – 12 candidates have been interviewed and Superintendent Kellaher is recommending John Brown for position. Once Board approves, the process for CORI check, a physical and a drug screening test will begin. He has a hoisting license and a CDL. Ms. Dibb moved to approve the superintendent’s recommendation to hire John Brown as skilled laborer/sewer, Step 1. Mr. Letsky
seconded. Vote unanimous.

Winter maintenance agreement sent to all builders and rates are basically the same from prior years. Some discussion.

POLICE:

Both cruisers are back and will be going out for markings this week. Staffing change as previously discussed: Chief Haapakoski is recommending Rob Marino to acting sergeant position as there is presently no sergeant on the 11-7 shift. After some discussion, Mr. Pantos moved to appoint Rob Marino to acting sergeant’s position on third shift as recommended by Chief Haapakoski. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.

Sergeant Monaco came before the Board to explain a petition from the sergeants to separate from the MassCop Local and form their own union. Mr. Clark feels they are management and shouldn’t be in a union. Some discussion. Mr. Pantos moved to authorize the Chair to sign the petition pending submission of corrected forms. Mr. Letsky seconded. Vote 4 in favor 1 opposed – Mr. Clark opposed. Sgt. Monaco will bring the question back about stepping out of union totally. Written notice will be sent that it has been received and voted to move forward with the process.

Chief Haapakoski informed the Board that the audio visual equipment is being installed. An intern has started in the public safety building today.

FIRE:

New fire truck should be here very soon. Regarding the Regional Dispatch Center, the letter from Barre has been received so talks can now begin. Mr. Becker stated that it was “good news” and congratulated all involved. January 10th may be the first meeting.

OPEN SESSION:

6:30 p.m. – James Fitzpatrick from DG Clean Power came before the Board to introduce a projected solar project at 549 East County Road owned by the Putnam family (20-acre site, 2 mega watts, 2,000 homes powered, 8,000 solar panels, 7 million dollar investment). Gave some background on projects already underway. Looking to commence September/October. They have already met with the building inspector and will meet with the planning board later on. Based upon our tax rate, they are proposing a $47,000 payment in lieu of taxes which they have done in other towns. Peter Letsky will be the point person for the Board. Discussion on a net metering agreement.

Building Commissioner, Rick Travers, came before the Board to inform that four applications have been received for the alternate building inspector position and would like to know which two selectmen will be attending the interviews. Mr. Clark and Mr. Pantos will represent the Board.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Letter from Crowley Fuel Company regarding a contact person in town who could identify residents living without heat. Rutland Dispatch handles well-being checks presently. The Council on Aging is involved as well.

Letter from C & S Builders requesting the Board lay out Brunelle North - Carlsons Way for acceptance. The process will begin.

Memo from the Assessor’s office that a meeting will be held on a GIS presentation on either January 5th or 12th.

Letter received from Mr. Fox regarding his dog Shadow. He has not submitted the specific paperwork the Board has requested, therefore, he will be sent a certified letter to appear before the Board.

WRSD is holding a “State of the Region” meeting on January 9th. The Board will meet at 5:30 pm that evening in order to attend the 7 pm meeting at the high school.

NEW BUSINESS:

Mr. Clark moved to appoint Karen Phillips to the Historical Commission based on their recommendation. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.

The Bay Path H.S.Superintendent would like to hold a meeting in Rutland to discuss a renovation project at the high school and costs associated with it. February 2, 2012 has been decided upon. Meeting will be held at the Rutland Library and will notify Mr. Papagni of the location.

OLD BUSINESS:

Primary Building RFP, coordinate a tour with the DPW Superintendent probably on Monday, January 23rd weather permitting. Meeting place will be the primary building with proposals submitted to the Clerk’s office by Friday, February 24th at noon.

5th Amendment to the Wachusett School Lease Agreement. A date change will be made. Ms. Dibb moved to sign the 5th amendment pending the correction. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Clark would like to see the school maintenance returned to the town as he feels the district isn’t doing a good job. Mr. Pantos made an additional motion to have the bi-annual walk through with our DPW Superintendent or designee and the school facilities manager or designee added to the agreement. Mr. Letsky seconded. Vote unanimous.

Mr. Becker asked DPW Superintendent to check on a repair and cost of the snow guards/gutters at Glenwood Elementary School.

Follow-up with Dispatch Manager Agreement. All three parties, police chief, fire chief and Nathan Kenney, agree and are recommending the drafted agreement as presented. Lengthy discussion. Mr. Clark moved to authorize the chair to sign the Dispatch Manager Agreement (December 27, 2011 through June 30, 2012) as presented with the obligation that a longer term contract will be explored with relation to the grant after the expiration of this contract. Mr. Letsky seconded. Vote unanimous.

With regard to the open meeting law issue from the last meeting, Mr. Becker was reminded by a viewer that the Town Clerk should have been consulted rather than legal counsel. Mr. Becker sent to the Town Clerk, in writing, what transpired at the last meeting and she sent a response which was read aloud. The Chairman reiterated for everyone’s benefit that if any member reasonably anticipates bringing something up at a meeting, they should have it added to the agenda asap.